A unfortunate incident to a young player, Fab Melo will not be resurrected, but we will cherish the times when he was here.
Reports say that Melo passed away this Saturday, potentially from something that happened the night before while sleeping, but authorities are unsure and are currently investigating in Melo’s native country of Brazil at his home.
The former Syracuse star back in 2011 and 2012, helped Jim Boeheim and company reach a pinnacle status of a 34-3 record in 2012. Melo was under investigation in a few circumstances for academics, which led to him being suspended twice in his first season at Syracuse.
Leading the charge of the Orange in the frontcourt, Melo’s size and shot blocking abilities (just under 3 blocks a game) caught the eye of NBA scouts, and eventually, Boston selected him in the 2012 draft, one spot behind now Raptors C Jared Sullinger with the 22nd overall choice. Having back to back picks was a huge advantage for Boston, but the draft choice of Melo essentially gave the Celtics D-League affiliate Maine Red Claws, a full time starter. Only logging in 36 minutes in six game in his rookie season with the Celtics, things were not looking good with the emergence of Sullinger hogging minutes. Eventually the C’s traded Melo to the Grizzlies in 2013, where he bounced around a few teams and winded up in the professional league in his native Brazil for a few years.
Anytime this happens, it is devastating, and with Melo gone at age 26, it makes this very sad for his family and those touched by Melo during his time at Syracuse and Boston. Rest in peace Fab Melo.
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